The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says local airports operating without valid permits will face sanctions beginning January 1, 2026.
Godwin Balang, director of aerodrome and airspace standards at the NCAA, announced on Monday during the ‘Airstrip Owners and Operators Stakeholders Engagement Programme’ in Lagos.
Balang said the move reflects a collective resolve rather than a threat.
“The aviation landscape has changed drastically in recent years, so our regulatory strategies must align with today’s realities for more impactful results,” Balang said.
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He noted that of the 92 airstrips in the NCAA database — comprising operational, non‑operational, and those under construction or rehabilitation — only a handful currently hold valid operational permits.
Balang added that 68 of the airstrips are federal facilities managed by the ministry of aviation and aerospace development, while 24 belong to private individuals or organisations.
He said the split underscores the need for deeper collaboration between the NCAA and the ministry to clarify regulator–operator roles.
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According to Balang, under section 71(3)&(4)(a) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, the NCAA is empowered to certify aerodrome operations and establish minimum safety standards for design, operation, and maintenance.
“There is a need to fashion out strategies to address emerging threats while maximising the use of the airstrips to contribute significantly to our socio-economic development as a nation,” Balang said.
“We are conscious of the fact that one day is obviously not enough to exhaust discussions on this important subject.”
On his part, Chris Najomo, director‑general (DG) of the NCAA, outlined the programme’s objectives and reiterated the purpose of regulatory duties enshrined in the Civil Aviation Act 2022.
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“The engagement is to enhance communication with state and private airstrip operators; clarifying construction, operational, and safety requirements; identifying and addressing operator challenges; exploring development partnerships; and promoting global best practices,” Najomo said.
The DG said the NCAA is developing customised regulations for airstrips in line with its ease‑of‑doing‑business principle to drive general aviation growth without compromising safety.
“While ICAO Annex 14 standards may be over‑reaching for smaller airstrips, our tailored framework will catalyse development and maintain safety,” he added.
Najomo also said maintaining safety standards also aligns strategically with the minister’s five-point agenda.
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